Overview

• Two Alberta government bills seek to amend privacy and access to information laws, with claims of being the strictest in Canada.
• Privacy Commissioner Diane McLeod warns the bills could create legislative gaps, citing vague definitions and insufficient safeguards.
• Concerns include provisions allowing minors' personal information to be shared without consent and unclear criteria for determining their best interests.
• Proposed changes to freedom of information rules could limit public access by exempting broad categories of government communication and records.
• Ministers responsible for the bills have pledged to review McLeod's recommendations, though she noted her office did not see the final drafts before their introduction.